The Benefit Most Veterans Don't Know About

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If you're a wartime veteran—or the surviving spouse of one—and you need help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, or eating, the VA may pay you up to $2,424 per month to cover home care costs.

It's called the Aid and Attendance (A&A) pension benefit, and according to VeteranAid.org, it's one of the most underutilized VA programs. Many families don't know it exists, and others assume they won't qualify.

Here's what Washington families need to know.

2026 Benefit Rates

The VA adjusts rates annually based on cost of living. For December 1, 2025 through November 30, 2026, the maximum monthly rates are:

Veterans

Situation	Monthly Maximum
Single veteran, no dependents	$2,424
Veteran with spouse or child	$2,876
Two married veterans (both A&A)	$3,845

Surviving Spouses

Situation	Monthly Maximum
Surviving spouse alone	$1,562
Surviving spouse with A&A add-on	+$421/month

Important: Your actual payment depends on your income. The VA subtracts your countable income from the maximum rate. The lower your income, the higher your benefit—up to the maximum.

Who Qualifies

According to the VA eligibility requirements, you may qualify if you meet all three criteria:

1. Military Service Requirements

Served at least 90 days of active duty
At least one day during a wartime period:
- WWII: Dec 7, 1941 – Dec 31, 1946
- Korea: June 27, 1950 – Jan 31, 1955
- Vietnam: Aug 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975
- Gulf War: Aug 2, 1990 – present
Discharged under conditions other than dishonorable

Note: You don't need to have served in combat or have a service-connected disability.

2. Financial Requirements

For 2026, the net worth limit is $163,699. This includes:

Bank accounts and investments
Real estate (excluding your primary home)
Other assets

Your primary home, vehicle, and personal belongings typically don't count.

3. Medical Requirements

You must need help with daily activities due to age, illness, or disability. You qualify if you meet at least one of these criteria:

Need help with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, mobility)
Are bedridden (except for medical appointments)
Reside in a nursing home due to physical or mental incapacity
Have severe visual impairment (5/200 or less in both eyes)

How Aid & Attendance Pays for Home Care

Unlike some benefits that pay facilities directly, A&A is paid directly to you. You can use it however you need for care, including:

Professional Home Care Agencies

Hire a licensed home care agency to provide:

Personal care assistance (bathing, dressing, grooming)
Meal preparation
Medication reminders
Light housekeeping
Companionship and supervision

Family Caregivers

One of the most valuable aspects: you can pay family members to provide your care. This includes:

Adult children
Siblings
Other relatives
Even spouses (in some cases)

This allows families to compensate the person already providing care while also receiving the tax benefits of a formal arrangement.

Combination of Both

Many families use A&A funds to supplement professional care with family caregiving, creating a comprehensive support system.

How to Apply in Washington State

Step 1: Gather Documentation

You'll need:

DD-214 (discharge papers)
Medical records showing care needs
Financial information (income, assets, expenses)
Doctor's statement confirming need for assistance

Step 2: Complete VA Form 21-527EZ

This is the Application for Veterans Pension. You can:

Apply online at VA.gov
Mail to your regional VA office
Work with an accredited claims agent or attorney

Step 3: Submit Medical Evidence

Include a physician's statement documenting:

Your diagnoses
Specific assistance needed with daily activities
Whether you're housebound or need A&A level care

Step 4: Wait for Decision

Processing typically takes 3-6 months, though it can be longer. If approved, benefits are retroactive to your application date.

Washington-Specific Resources

VA Puget Sound Health Care System

Serves veterans in Western Washington:

Seattle Division: (206) 762-1010
American Lake Division (Tacoma): (253) 582-8440
Website

VA Spokane Health Care

Serves Eastern Washington:

Phone: (509) 434-7000
Website

County Veteran Service Officers

Every Washington county has a Veteran Service Officer who can help with applications at no cost:

Find your county VSO

Washington Department of Veterans Affairs

Phone: 1-800-562-2308
Website

How A&A Works with Other Benefits

With Medicaid Home Care

Good news: A&A benefits do not count as income for Medicaid eligibility purposes. If your family member receives services through:

DDA waivers (IFS, Basic Plus, Core, CIIBS)
ALTSA programs
Other Medicaid-funded home care

They may be able to receive both A&A and Medicaid services. The A&A can cover costs Medicaid doesn't, like family caregiver payments.

With WA Cares Fund

Starting July 2026, the WA Cares Fund provides up to $36,500 for long-term care. Veterans can potentially access:

VA Aid & Attendance
WA Cares Fund (if they contributed while working)
Medicaid waiver services (if eligible)

These programs can complement each other to create comprehensive coverage.

With Social Security

A&A is not affected by Social Security income. However, your Social Security does count toward the income calculation that determines your A&A payment amount.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Assuming You Won't Qualify

Many veterans assume they need a service-connected disability or combat service. You don't. The pension is based on wartime service and current care needs.

2. Not Counting Medical Expenses

Your out-of-pocket medical expenses reduce your countable income, which can increase your benefit. Track and report:

Medicare premiums
Prescription costs
Home care expenses
Medical equipment
Insurance premiums

3. Waiting Too Long to Apply

Benefits are retroactive only to your application date. Even if approval takes months, you'll receive back pay from when you applied—not when you started needing care.

4. Going It Alone

The application process is complex. Work with:

Your county Veteran Service Officer (free)
An accredited VA claims agent
A veterans benefits attorney (if needed)

Real Numbers: What This Means for Families

Let's say a veteran with no dependents qualifies for the maximum A&A benefit of $2,424/month:

Annual benefit: $29,088

That could cover:

15-20 hours/week of professional home care, OR
Significant compensation for a family caregiver, OR
A combination of both

For a married veteran qualifying for $2,876/month, that's $34,512/year for home care.

Getting Started

Check basic eligibility: Did the veteran serve 90+ days active duty with at least one day during wartime?
Assess care needs: Does the veteran need help with daily activities?
Review finances: Is net worth under $163,699?
Contact your county VSO: Get free help with the application
Gather documents: DD-214, medical records, financial statements
Apply: Don't wait—benefits start from your application date

For Home Care Agencies

If you serve veterans in Washington, make sure families know about A&A:

Include information about VA benefits in your intake process
Connect families with their county Veteran Service Officer
Document care needs in ways that support A&A applications
Accept A&A as payment—it's a reliable, government-backed income stream

Veterans have earned these benefits. Help them access the care they deserve.

Need help finding a home care provider in Washington? Search our provider directory for agencies experienced in serving veterans.

Veterans Aid & Attendance: How to Get Home Care Paid by the VA in Washington State